Scene differentiation-Shakespeare and Baz Luhrmann

Scene differentiation-Shakespeare and Baz Luhrmann 

The opening scene of Romeo and Juliet (Act 1, Scene 1) written by Shakespeare is considerably different to Baz Luhrmann's opening scene from his appropriation of Romeo and Juliet.  During Shakespeare's version of the scene Gregson and Sampson two servants from the Capulet household, encounter Abram and a servant of the Montague household. After much banter the scene escalates with Sampson aggravating Abram with more people from each household coming into the scene. They get into a fight and
the Capulet's eventually withdraw with the Prince nearby. Baz Luhrmann has taken this scene but diverted it into modern context. Luhrmann has made the setting at a gas station in America in the 1990's, but still having the same base story line with the two households arguing and then eventually fighting.
 The main themes in this scene are foolishness and the theme of mortality. This can be seen as the main characters foolishly pull out their weapons and start to fight while innocent civilians are nearby, Tybalt even lighting a cigarette at a gas station in Luhrmann's version, with all characters fighting as if they are immortal.
"What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.Have at thee, coward!" Tybalt declares during the opening scene. This shows the absolute hatred between the two family's, Tybalt saying that he hates all Montagues as much as he hates hell, showing no mercy towards them.

   

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This image is from the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet from Baz Luhrmann's appropriation. It show's Tybalt during the fighting at the gas station, taking off his cloak, exposing his bulletproof vest and his weapons. Luhrmann also uses techniques such as a long shot, high angle and symbolism. The reason Luhrmann has used a long shot in this scene is to show Tybalt's positioning , taking cover behind a taxi, whilst still showing his expression of determination and fierceness. Luhrmann has also used a high angle shot to make Tybalt look weak but preparing for his next move, as he is located on the ground taking cover behind the taxi. But the most important technique in this shot is the symbolism of Tybalt removing his coat, to reveal his bulletproof vest. This vest shows an image of Jesus, implicating Tybalt's devotion and sacrifice for his religion. It even shows the type of family and tradition he has been brought up in, a very Catholic and righteous family.